Sometimes all your sex life needs is a breath of fresh air. So get outdoors and get it on

Like a mojito, sex can be even better when experienced alfresco.

“Having sex outside awakens the senses,” says sex therapist, Dr Sandor Gardos. “Feeling the breeze on your skin, smelling the freshly cut grass – stimuli are very erotic.”

Plus, the fear of getting caught can add an extra thrill. To inspire you, we’ve come up with prime outdoor spots and how to pull off the best position in each.

Your backyard

Your home turf is a great place to experiment. “The beauty of the backyard is that it offers all the sensory benefits of an outdoor experience while still giving you a little privacy, especially if you get behind a bush or fence,” says Dr Ava Cadell, author of Stock Market Orgasm.

PRIME POSITION: REVERSE COWGIRL

Have him sit on a banana lounge or outdoor chair with his legs outstretched, then straddle him so you’re facing his feet. Place your hands on his thighs and plant your feet on the ground on either side of the chair. Then move up and down to stimulate the sensitive nerves at the opening of your vagina.

Another option: have him recline so he’s lying down flat, which allows for even deeper penetration.

On the beach

Seaside shaggin’ can be very intoxicating. “Sex on the beach is exciting because we associate the shore with spontaneity and holidays,” Dr Gardos says. “Breathing in the salty air and hearing the waves crashing can be very seductive.”

Scope out a secluded piece of shoreline shielded by rocks, and spread out a towel or blanket.

PRIME POSITION: GIRL ON TOP

Straddle him and dig your knees slightly into blanket-covered sand (this allows for deeper penetration and better traction).

Rather than move up and down, stay close together and rub your clitoris against his pubic bone.

When you sense he’s on the brink, switch to a figure-eight motion to help delay his finish and stimulate a different set of nerve endings inside you.

In the water (lake, pool, outdoor shower...)

Getting wet can be pretty wild. “Being immersed in water or standing in a stream of it feels pleasurable, since your skin can become more sensitive to touch when wet,” Dr Gardos says.

But water can wash away your natural lubrication, so use a silicone-based lube.

PRIME POSITION: STANDING UP

Wrap your legs around his waist – if you’re in the shower, have him lean you up against the wall for support – and push your cossie to the side for easy access (if you’re still wearing them). Get him to grab your backside to control the pace.

In the bush

Yeah, not that kind. Next time you’re hiking or mountain biking with your partner, stop somewhere picturesque (and private) and work up a different kind of sweat.

“There’s something incredibly raw and primal about having sex in nature – and this can evoke your sense of adventure,” Dr Gardos says. You Jane, he Tarzan. Grrr.

PRIME POSITION: DOGGY STYLE

Lean your hands or elbows on a big rock or a tree for support while he enters you from behind. His hands can stroke your other bits, and you can arch your back for deeper penetration. And feel free to vocalise – the birds and the bees won’t mind at all.

In a rowboat

Think about it: what’s more intimate than having sex in the middle of a large stretch of water out in the middle of nowhere?

“Being in a boat can feel like the two of you are stranded on a secluded island, which is a fantasy for a lot of people,” says Dr Patti Britton, author of The Art of Sex Coaching.

PRIME POSITION: SPOONING

Lie on your back while he lies on his side facing you. Put your leg (the one closest to him) across his thighs and turn so your backside faces him while he enters you from behind. Move slowly and rhythmically together so you don’t rock the boat.

And you might want to take some towels and cushions with you to lay down on the boat’s bottom, to keep you dry and comfortable. No one likes an anchor up the bum.